Northern Rail has named one of its trains ‘William Wilberforce’ to mark the 200th year of the passing of the bill in Parliament that led to the abolition of the slave trade by one of Hull’s most famous and important sons.

The Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull, Councillor Brenda Petch, officially unveiled the newly named train at Hull Paragon Station on 18 October 2007.

Malcolm Brown, Area Director, Northern Rail, said: “We are delighted to support the city of Hull in commemorating the abolition of the slave trade and celebrating the achievements of Wilberforce and his supporters by naming one of our trains after him. The train will be seen by thousands of people as it travels our network across the north of England.”

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Cllr Brenda Petch is delighted with Northern Rails dedication to this bicentennial year, she said: "The city of Kingston upon Hull is very proud of Wilberforce's achievements and throughout this year and beyond we will continue to spread the William Wilberforce message past the city boundaries, the William Wilberforce train will contribute greatly to this".